The Kiss: An Anthology About Love and Other Close Encounters(66)

He leaned forward on his elbows and stared into her eyes. “We are good together.”

She glanced around, confused. “I didn’t mean like this...”

“I know, Mandy.” He took a deep breath. “It’s my turn to confess.”

There was something in his tone... something in the intensity of his gaze.

“Mandy, I’m your songwriter.”

Mandy blinked several times. Had she heard him correctly? The rustling of the trees and the soft ‘clink’ of horseshoes faded into the background as his words sank in.

“You?” Something bloomed deep in her chest. “You’re my songwriter?”

He raised both hands in a gesture of resignation. “Guilty.”

“But how...” She had a million questions. “You’re SwingTime? As in–”

“As in that day on the swing.” A slow grin transformed his face. “In a way, I’m glad my family moved away. I probably wouldn’t have tried writing if I hadn’t been mooning around about you.”

“Are you serious?” She wanted to believe him, but it was all so sudden. “You wouldn’t kid around about this, would you?”

“No, Mandy. That’s why I’m here this weekend.” He raised his eyebrows. “Well, two reasons, really. One, I wanted to hear you debut the new song, and secondly, I decided it was time to meet with you. I’m serious about trying some crossover tunes.”

“But why wouldn’t you meet with me before this?” She narrowed her eyes at him. “That’s never made sense to me.”

“Maybe not, but I was writing songs from the heart, trying to capture the way I felt all those years ago, when we were young. I was afraid that if I met you again, all of the fame would have changed you.”

“And has it?”

He grinned. “Not that I can tell.”

She exhaled slowly. “Thanks, I think.” She turned to see Sunny striding toward them, a big smile on her face.





Chapter Five


“David’s coming after all.” Sunny waved her cell phone. “He finally got away.” She stopped at the table. “What? You guys look guilty.”

“Sunny,” said Mandy, speaking slowly. “Matt just told me he’s my songwriter.”

“Get out!” Sunny made a face, then looked from Mandy to Matthew, then back to her friend. “You’re serious!”

They both nodded.

“Uh, oh.” She slid onto the bench beside Mandy.

“What do you mean, ‘uh-oh’?” Mandy nudged her friend.

Sunny rolled her eyes. “What I mean is, how does this affect whatever is going on between you guys? I mean, sheesh, I’ve never seen so many sparks fly.” She paused to consider. “Well, maybe between David and I, but that’s different.”

Mandy couldn’t meet Matt’s gaze. She’d been wondering the same thing.

Matt answered smoothly. “It doesn’t change a thing.” He waited for Mandy to look at him and gave her a look that curled her toes. “It looks like we’re going to be working together, so we’ll have lots of time to get reacquainted.” He checked his watch. “I should take you back out to the bowl to get ready, and I have some apologizing to do. My agent is going to be disappointed that he didn’t get to introduce us.” He rose, walked round the table and offered Mandy his hand. “Speaking of which, let’s exchange cell phone numbers.” She rose and he gave her a meaningful look. “Call me after the concert if you need a ride.”





*


Mandy arrived to pandemonium. Clustered around Clete, the band members didn’t realize she was standing behind them.

“What’s going on?” If the guitar player’s expression was any indication, he was in a lot of pain. He was clutching his left arm.

Yankee Bob straightened up and turned to Mandy. “I think his arm is broken.” He raked his fingers through his long hair. “The guys were playing touch football. Clete lost his footing and fell.”

Mandy remained calm. “Let’s get him taken into the hospital then.” She gave Clete what she hoped was an encouraging smile. “Don’t worry, we’ll figure something out.”

“I’m sorry, Mandy.” The drummer looked miserable.

Mandy held up a hand. “Don’t go there. We agreed, remember?” They normally carried two guitar players on tour, but RJ’s wife was due to give birth any day, and they’d given him time off. She lowered her voice. “What are we going to do?”

“I don’t know.” He gave a short, desperate laugh. “Can you pull a spare guitar player out of your bag of tricks?” Mandy carried a kit containing everything from buttons and thread to crazy glue and aspirins. The crew loved to tease her about it.

She grinned. “As a matter of fact, I do.” She pulled out her cell phone.

“Come on, Mandy. I was kidding. We can’t let just anybody up there on the stage.”

“This isn’t just anybody.” She held up a finger.

“Mandy?” His voice sounded like liquid velvet.

“Matt. Do you have your guitar with you?”

He chuckled. “I’m never without it. Why?”